CED

Inside AED Everything a convention should be and more – that's how Summit played out in Las Vegas, Jan. 15-17. Celebrating the association's volunteer leadership, spotlighting industry trends and outlooks, and networking with peers and partners in fine style, AED members launched the year memorably. Total attendance was 1,400, comprising dealers, manufacturers and service providers throughout the construction equipment industry. AED thanks the many Summit sponsors whose generosity helped create successful networking events and entertainment, outstanding keynotes and seminars, delicious complimentary meals and receptions, and an allaround exceptional convention experience for the AED membership. We also thank each of the companies that exhibited at CONDEX and hosted Hospitality Suites. Summit 2014 is Jan. 15-17 at the Hilton Americas, Houston Texas. Market analyst Eli Lustgarten titled his keynote outlook "Optimism Despite Omni-Shambles." The Frank and Dave band, sponsored by Infor, smoothed out the night Tuesday and Wednesday, playing in the LVH Club Oasis lounge, and again during the Viva Las Vegas Party Thursday. Music and comedy with The Scintas, sponsored by Sentry Insurance, created a homerun fundraiser for The AED Foundation. Hundreds of conventioners poured into the AED Welcome Party after a busy first day of Summit. CONDEX was open 10-3 Wednesday and 10-2 Thursday. I The all-new CONDEX Centerstage featured many speakers offering short tips and strategies for the dealership. Rob Norris, EDA, is pictured during a lunchtime session. February 2013 | Construction Equipment Distribution | www.cedmag.com | 13 12_Summit_Recap_KP.indd 13 1/30/13 2:56 PM

• Cover
• FEATURES: Do Your Best Practices Smoke the Competition-- or Burn Opportunity? Lots of companies have burned millions of dollars because they couldnt - or wouldnt- follow the disciplines of true implementation.
• FEATURES: Just Say Yes: Accepting challenges and doing the hard work is the norm for Mike Quirk, vice president of Operations at Wagner Equipment Co. - now hes taking on the responsibilities of AEDs top volunteer post: 2013 Chairman.
• From the Chairman: Its a mixed bag this year, but well be ready.
• Editors Note: Black and Blue, but coals still in the game.
• On the Numbers: Tax on investments income (including rental) is a big deal.
• Recruitment & Retention: What not to do if youre looking for a job.
• Aftermarket: We sell things- so why not labor programs, too?
• Washington Insider: Good news for business tax reform- less emotion.
• Inside AED
• Groundwork
• Industry Beat
• Play It Safe
• Advertisers Index
• Dealer Data
• AED Summit Photo Recap
• Top 10 Things Dealers Should Know About the American Taxpayer Relief ACt 2012
• FEATURE: Follow That Customer: Participate in online marketing techniques that keep your dealership at the forefront of prospects Web searches.
• FEATURE: You Cant Run and You Cant Hide from Obamacare: U.S. dealers with 50 and more employees will need to start making important decisions this year--but one of the best things every employer can do is communicate.